PH Navy test-fires new long-range missile system
The Philippine Navy (PN) has put to test its new long-range missile system, installed on one of its fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) platforms, to ensure that it will work out just fine when utilized in actual military operations.
Commander John Percie Alcos, PN spokesperson, said the Spike NLOS (nonline-of-sight) missile system that was fitted on to its gunboat was assessed in a test-fire at west off Luzon Point in Mariveles, Bataan last April 10.
“The activity was able to validate the NLOS missile system’s precision strike capability as it hit accurately the target at least 20 kilometers away. Offering unparalleled accuracy and versatility, this new capability represents a leap forward in precision-guided munitions technology,” Alcos said on Friday, April 12.
The Spike NLOS missile system is a long-range anti-ship weapon that can hit a moving target even beyond visual range. It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli defense technology company.
It is also equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors and offers day and night operational capabilities, enhancing its effectiveness in various combat scenarios, according to Alcos.
The advanced missile system also boasts a range of up to 30 kilometers (approximately 18.6 miles) which enables its operators to engage targets with pinpoint accuracy from stand-off distances, he added.
The test-fire was witnessed by PN Flag Officer in Command, Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr.; PN Vice Commander, Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia; and Philippine Fleet (PF) Commander, Rear Adm. Renato David, along with PF subunit commanders via live streaming at Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite City.
A delegation from the Israeli Embassy in the Philippines was also present during the activity headed by Ambassador Ilan Fluss, and representatives from the project proponent, the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
The test-fire was part of the acceptance terms and training deliverables included in the FAIC Acquisition Project of the Navy with Israel, a procurement project that started in 2019 with a ₱10 billion contract that includes the delivery of nine FAIC platforms.
From 2022 to 2023, six FAICS have already been delivered to the Navy: BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901), BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG-902), BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903), BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905), and the future PG-906 and PG-907 which are set for commissioning sometime this year.
The remaining three platforms are to be constructed and delivered within the next two years.